Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Are you a college senior? Congratulations on making it this far! You
may think the hard work is over, but you still have a whole year that
could determine your future. Check out these ten things to avoid as a
college senior. You can learn more at Campus Explorer.

1. Skipping Classes

Choosing to skip classes could mean missing valuable information for
upcoming tests. And don’t forget to think ahead to university classes:
Information you’ll need for your major in your college program may be
covered during a high school lecture you miss.

2. Thinking Second Semester Grades Don't Count

Many universities look at your second semester grades, so keep that GPA up and keep taking those AP/IB
and honors classes. Admissions departments at many colleges and
universities have been known to rescind the acceptance letters of
students who drop their tough classes or let their GPA sink dramatically
due to senior slump.

3. Falling for “Senioritis”

A bit of restlessness during your senior year is to be expected, but
don’t let yourself lose motivation, procrastinate or slack off
completely. Letting yourself get physically or emotionally run down can
ruin your senior year and make you less prepared for getting a college
degree.

4. Getting Too Overwhelmed

Senior year means juggling everything from the prom and parties to college essays
and AP tests. You’ll get through it all if you take a step back and
prioritize your time: Make lists and timelines to keep track of all of
your deadlines and make sure you get it all done.

5. Confusing Your Priorities

Planning for college doesn’t mean you can forget about your current
obligations. In class, that means making sure your transcript is full of
good grades in all of your subjects, not just the ones you think are
easier or more relevant to your intended degree. Outside of class, that
means not dropping your extracurricular activities or work if those
activities will benefit you financially or personally.

6. Forgetting to Study

Keep up on your assignments, even after a tough week. While you’re
taking time off, there’s another student going for your spot at the
schools you’re applying to who isn’t. When you feel less motivated to
study, remind yourself that every good grade gets you closer to finding a
college that offers a great program in the major you want. Keep your
eyes on the prize!

7. Mismanaging Your Time

Be realistic about your current workload. While you know how long it
takes you to write a paper or study for a test under normal conditions,
all the pressures of senior year could make you work more slowly or give
you more distractions. To stay on top of your assignments, calculate
how long you think something will take you, and then double it. Triple
it, if time allows. That way you’ll have ample time to get your work
done even if something comes up for the colleges you’re applying to.

8. Daydreaming About Your Future Too Much

Your mind now might be wandering, thinking around about degrees, majors, MBA programs, possible careers, study abroad
and many other things. These are all exciting future possibilities, but
don't forget the here and now. Devoting too much time daydreaming when
you have homework and reading to do could seriously curtail those future
plans.

9. Blowing Off “Less Important” Work

Don’t be fooled by the idea that a second paper or a midterm quiz
doesn't make that much of a difference. Everything counts. Even if
something is only worth ten percent of your grade, take it seriously.
That extra ten percent might be what pushes you into a college slot over
the next applicant.

10. Failing to Use Available Resources

Teachers know about all the challenges you’re facing during this busy
time, and many of them are nice enough to offer extra help during the
second half of senior year. This help can be in the form of extra office
hours, a review of topics covered, study guides, sample exams, or other
tools to help you improve your grade. Take advantage of them.